Democrats have scored a sweeping victory in the 2026 US midterm elections, taking control of both chambers of Congress in a historic setback for President Donald Trump, whose increasingly unpopular policies, economic record and handling of foreign conflicts have fuelled widespread voter discontent.

The Democratic victories across traditionally Republican strongholds mark a dramatic reversal of the political fortunes that brought Trump back to the White House in 2024 and threaten to significantly undermine his ability to advance his domestic and foreign policy agenda during the final two years of his presidency.

According to projections, Democrats have secured at least 53 seats in the 100-member Senate, compared with 41 for Republicans, with several races still awaiting final results. The party has also won control of the House of Representatives, completing a sweeping takeover of Congress.

The results will give Democrats unprecedented leverage over the Trump administration when the new Congress takes office in January 2027, allowing them to block presidential nominations, scrutinize government officials and launch investigations into the administration.

"Wow! Wow! Now, against all odds, we Democrats have won the Senate," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in Washington. "We have five words for the American people: relief is on the way."

Democrats break through in Republican strongholds

The Democratic gains were particularly striking in states where Republicans had dominated Senate elections for decades.

According to the Associated Press, Democrats captured Republican-held Senate seats in Kansas, Iowa, Texas, Ohio, Maine, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Kansas elected its first Democratic senator in nearly a century, while Texas Democrats ended a decades-long losing streak by securing a Senate seat in one of the country's most conservative states.

In South Carolina, Democratic candidate Annie Andrews defeated a Republican candidate backed by Trump. In North Carolina, former Democratic governor Roy Cooper comfortably defeated Republican candidate Michael Whatley.

Ohio also witnessed a major political upset, with former Democratic senator Sherrod Brown reclaiming a Republican-held seat.

Democrats additionally defeated several Republican incumbents and candidates closely associated with Trump, exposing the limits of the president's influence over voters even in traditionally conservative constituencies.

Trump's policies fuel voter backlash

The election results reflect growing dissatisfaction with Trump's presidency, particularly over the rising cost of living, economic uncertainty, immigration policies and the administration's handling of the war with Iran.

Democrats made affordability and government accountability central themes of their campaigns, blaming Trump's tariffs and foreign policy decisions for worsening economic conditions and increasing financial pressure on American households.

The conflict with Iran and rising fuel prices further damaged the administration's standing, while controversial immigration enforcement operations and concerns over government accountability added to public frustration.

Trump attempts to distance himself from Republican losses

Despite having made the midterm elections a personal political test, Trump sought to distance himself from the Republican defeats as results became increasingly clear.

In a social media post, he claimed that Republicans would have won by a landslide had he been on the ballot.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump congratulated Democratic candidates but rejected the suggestion that the results represented a repudiation of his presidency, insisting that his administration had delivered the greatest two years in presidential history.

He also blamed Republican candidates for failing to secure victories rather than acknowledging the growing opposition to his policies.

The defeats have nevertheless raised questions about Trump's continued influence within the Republican Party, particularly after several candidates he personally supported lost races in states he had carried comfortably in 2024.

Democratic takeover threatens Trump's remaining agenda

The Democratic victory will fundamentally change the balance of power in Washington when the newly elected lawmakers take office on January 3, 2027.

Control of the Senate will allow Democrats to block Trump's cabinet appointments, judicial nominations and potential appointments to the US Supreme Court should vacancies arise.

In the House, Democrats are expected to intensify congressional investigations into the administration, its officials and Trump's political allies, while using their majority to challenge legislation and demand greater accountability.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is also expected to become the first Black speaker of the House, marking a historic development in US political history.

The results are particularly significant because Republicans had previously controlled both chambers, giving Trump considerable freedom to pursue his agenda with limited congressional resistance.

The latest election has therefore dealt a major blow to Trump's political dominance and ushered in a period of divided government that could severely constrain his ability to govern.

While Trump retains presidential veto powers, the Democratic victories have significantly weakened the Republican Party's grip on Washington and delivered a clear warning about the political consequences of his administration's policies. (ILKHA)